Manatee advisory group drawn to 2 superintendent hopefuls

The Manatee County School Board had made it clear they wanted analysis from the Citizens Advisory Group. Strengths and weaknesses of six candidates for superintendent. Not rankings. Not a choice.

But for more than 20 community members who gathered Friday night to discuss the pros and cons of candidates who interviewed for the leadership position earlier this week, it didn't seem to matter.

Two former chief academic officers, Constance Jones of Lee County and Kathryn LeRoy of Duval County, impressed committee members with extensive backgrounds in curriculum and a financial plan for a district that has struggled with budget issues.

Jones, with her "gracious," consensus-building personality that some members said reminded them of former superintendent Dan Nolan, had presented a clear financial vision centered on a strategic plan based on student achievement.

"She was the only who truly knew the difference between internal and external auditor," local CPA Byron Shinn said. "And how to use them appropriately."

LeRoy seemed equally qualified in curriculum and budget management.

"She was very knowledgable about budgets, and where we could break things out in our own budget to get more funds," said Greg Owens of the Manatee Board of Realtors.

Former Deputy Superintendent of Marion County Diana Greene also earned high praise from committee members for her high energy and detailed plans for student achievement, but members noted that her rocky relationship with the union and familiarity with a budget planning process similar to the one that led to a budget crisis earlier this year may be a detriment.

Disinterest seemed to eliminate other candidates.

Committee members said they were impressed with the work ethic of Palm Beach County elementary principal John Carvelli, but didn't think he was ready to take on a district of Manatee County's size.

The panel spent less than a minute discussing Pam Stewart, current Florida Chancellor of Public Schools, saying she lacked hands-on experience.

Candidate Rick Mills seemed to cause the most disagreement among committee members. The Minneapolis Public Schools chief executive officer, who has more military administration experience than educational experience, both impressed and concerned committee members. Some thought his strict plans for structure and accountability were exactly what a community with concerns about nepotism and inefficient leadership needs. He had spoken of rebuilding schools in dysfunctional districts in Chicago and Minneapolis by building teams and structures that could function even without his leadership.

"He has no political baggage. He owes nothing to anybody," said community member Richard Greene. "Of all six candidates, he is a game-changer."

But his lack of educational experience made others uncomfortable, and others worried that his mentality wouldn't fit the community.

On Wednesday, members of the citizens group, along with the Manatee Education Association, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and select members of district staff, will present their own analysis of candidates to the school board at a special meeting.

Board Chairman Karen Carpenter said the board would take part in a majority-rules, closed-ballot procedure so that board members wouldn't know how other board members had voted. "Hopefully, we won't have to do it more than once," she said Friday.